Italy vs Ireland Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship

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THE FACTS

When is Italy vs Ireland on and what time does it start? Italy vs Ireland will take place on Saturday 25th February, 2023 – 14:15 (UK)

Where is Italy vs Ireland taking place? Italy vs Ireland will take place at Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy

Where can I get tickets for Italy vs Ireland? Ticket information for Italy vs Ireland can be found on each nation’s official website

What channel is Italy vs Ireland on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for Italy vs Ireland

Where can I stream Italy vs Ireland in the UK? If televised live on BBC, Italy vs Ireland can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV

THE TEAM NEWS

ITALY

• Italy failed to hit the heights of their solid display against France as they were unable to really get close to England last time out with a slow start effectively ending the contest by half-time.
• Italy now have the huge task of attempting to stop an impressive Ireland side and have made three changes to their side with fly-half Paolo Garbisi among those, returning to the team after injury.

Starting XV: Capuozzo; Padovani, Brex, Menoncello, Bruno; Garbisi, Varney; Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, Cannone, Ruzza, Negri, Lamaro, Cannone

Replacements: Bigi, Zani, Riccioni, Iachizzi, Pettinelli, Fusco, Morisi, Allan

IRELAND

• Ireland highlighted their Grand Slam potential with a superb performance to see off reigning champions France in their latest encounter and they will sense the major prize is theirs to lose after that victory.
• The Irish will be full of confidence after recording an eighth successive victory but they have suffered a late blow with centre Garry Ringrose forced out with a calf injury with Stuart McCloskey taking his spot.

Starting XV: Keenan; Hansen, Aki, McCloskey, Lowe; R. Byrne, Casey; Porter, Kelleher, Bealham; Henderson, Ryan; Doris, Van der Flier, Conan

Replacements: D. Sheehan, Kilcoyne, O'Toole, Baird, O'Mahony, Murray, Crowley, O'Brien

THE PREDICTION

Italy will need to be at their very best to challenge this Ireland side and even then it might not be enough. The Italians have lost their last 12 encounters with Ireland while the visitors come into this on the back of an incredible eight-game winning streak in which they have toppled some of the best teams in the world. The Grand Slam is in their sights after overcoming France last time out and with Andy Farrell’s men playing some excellent rugby, they will be extremely tough to beat so side with the visitors to cover the -21 handicap.